Nunavut Canada LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT 2nd Session 6th Assembly HANSARD Official Report DAY 51 Friday, October 20, 2023 Pages 3194 – 3234 Iqaluit Speaker: The Honourable Tony Akoak, MLA

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Speaker Hon. Tony Akoak (Gjoa Haven) Officers Clerk John Quirke Clerk Assistant Stephen Innuksuk Law Clerk Michael Chandler Sergeant-at-Arms Michel Albert Hansard Production Innirvik Support Services Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Website: www.assembly.nu.ca Hon. David Akeeagok (Quttiktuq) Minister of Economic Development and Transportation; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Labour Hon. P.J.

Akeeagok (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister responsible for Immigration; Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs Bobby Anavilok (Kugluktuk) Janet Brewster (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. Pamela Gross (Cambridge Bay) Deputy Premier; Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Seniors George Hickes (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole Hon. David Joanasie (South Baffin) Government House Leader; Minister of Community and Government Services; Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council Hon.

Joelie Kaernerk (Amittuq) Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Languages; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation Mary Killiktee (Uqqummiut) Hon. Lorne Kusugak (Rankin Inlet South) Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation Adam Lightstone (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Hon. John Main (Arviat North-Whale Cove) Minister of Health; Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention Solomon Malliki (Aivilik) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Hon.

Margaret Nakashuk (Pangnirtung) Minister of Family Services; Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister of Human Resources; Minister responsible for the Status of Women; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission Karen Nutarak (Tununiq) Hon. Daniel Qavvik (Hudson Bay) Minister of Environment; Minister of Energy; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Joanna Quassa (Aggu) Inagayuk Quqqiaq (Netsilik) Alexander Sammurtok (Rankin Inlet North- Chesterfield Inlet) Joe Savikataaq (Arviat South) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole Craig Simailak (Baker Lake)

Table of Contents Opening Prayer ...........................................................................................................................3194 Ministers’ Statements .................................................................................................................3194 Members’ Statements .................................................................................................................3199 Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ........................................................................................3204 Oral Questions ............................................................................................................................3204 Tabling of Documents ................................................................................................................3223 Notices of Motions .....................................................................................................................3223 Motions .......................................................................................................................................3223 First Reading of Bills .................................................................................................................3224 Second Reading of Bills .............................................................................................................3226 Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ......................................3227 Report of the Committee of the Whole ......................................................................................3232 Orders of the Day .......................................................................................................................3233

A. Daily References Friday, October 20, 2023 ............................................................................................................3194 B.

Ministers’ Statements 269 – 6(2): Igloolik Teacher Wins Council of the Federation Literacy Award (Akeeagok, P) .3194 270 – 6(2): US Ambassador Visits Nunavut (Gross) .................................................................3195 271 – 6(2): NWT Wildfires and Medical Travel (Main) ............................................................3196 272 – 6(2): Expedited Direct Appointments (Nakashuk) ...........................................................3196 273 – 6(2): Sustaining Growing Communities and Land Development (Joanasie) ...................3197 274 – 6(2): Recipient of the 2023 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship (Kaernerk) .................3198 275 – 6(2): Nunavut Carbon Credit Payments (Kusugak) .........................................................3199 C.

Members’ Statements 364 – 6(2): Clyde River High School Graduates (Killiktee) ......................................................3199 365 – 6(2): The Importance of Education (Nutarak) ..................................................................3200 366 – 6(2): Support for NTEP Graduates (Lightstone) ..............................................................3201 367 – 6(2): Successful Bowhead Hunt in Taloyoak (Quqqiaq) ..................................................3202 368 – 6(2): Upcoming Municipal Elections (Gross) ..................................................................3202 369 – 6(2): Table Tennis Tournament in Iqaluit (Akeeagok, D) ................................................3203 370 – 6(2): Recent Visit to Kimmirut (Joanasie) .......................................................................3203 D.

Oral Questions 530 – 6(2): Nunavut 3000 Housing Strategy (Killiktee) ............................................................3204 531 – 6(2): Support for NTEP Graduates (Lightstone) ..............................................................3206

532 – 6(2): Price Agreement for Independent Electrical Power (Savikataaq) ...........................3208 533 – 6(2): Funding for Inuktitut Programs for Baker Lake (Simailak) ....................................3209 534 – 6(2): Suicide Prevention Action Plan (Nutarak) ...............................................................3211 535 – 6(2): Nunavut Health Data (Hickes) .................................................................................3213 536 – 6(2): Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility (Sammurtok) ...............................................3215 537 – 6(2): Local Housing Organizations (Brewster) ................................................................3217 538 – 6(2): Nunavut 3000 Housing Strategy (Quqqiaq) ............................................................3219 539 – 6(2): Grays Bay Port and Road Project (Anavilok) ..........................................................3221 E.

Tabling of Documents 171 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Deputy Minister of Family Services to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts in Response to Commitments made During Hearings on the Office of the Auditor General’s 2023 Report on the Review of Child and Family Services in Nunavut (Hickes) ..........................................3223 F.

Motions 026 – 6(2): Referral of Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), and 163 – 6(2) to Committee of the Whole – Notice (Savikataaq) ..................................................................3223 026 – 6(2): Referral of Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), and 163 – 6(2) to Committee of the Whole (Savikataaq) .................................................................................3224 G.

Bills Bill 26 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act – First Reading ...........................................3224 Bill 28 – Opioid Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act – First Reading ......................3224 Bill 29 –

An Act to Amend the Engineers and Geoscientists Act – First Reading ....................3224

Bill 27 –

An Act to Repeal the Area Development Act – First Reading ....................................3224 Bill 30 –

An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act – First Reading ......................................3225 Bill 32 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022-2023 – First Reading ........................................................................................................................3225 Bill 33 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024 – First Reading ........3225 Bill 34 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2022-2023 – First Reading ...................................................3225 Bill 35 –

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut – First Reading ............................3225 Bill 36 –

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – First Reading .............................................................................................................................................3226 Bill 32 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022-2023 – Second Reading ...................................................................................................................3226 Bill 33 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024 – Second Reading ...3226 Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee ................................................................................................3227

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3194 Iqaluit, Nunavut Friday, October 20, 2023 Members Present: Hon. David Akeeagok, Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Hon. Tony Akoak, Mr. Bobby Anavilok, Ms. Janet Brewster, Hon. Pamela Gross, Mr. George Hickes, Hon. David Joanasie, Hon. Joelie Kaernerk, Ms. Mary Killiktee, Hon. Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Adam Lightstone, Hon. John Main, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk, Ms. Karen Nutarak, Hon. Daniel Qavvik, Ms. Joanna Quassa, Mr. Inagayuk Quqqiaq, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Craig Simailak. >>House commenced at 9:00 Item 1: Opening Prayer Speaker (Hon.

Tony Akoak) (interpretation): Good morning. Ms. Killiktee, can you say the opening prayer, please. >>Prayer Speaker (interpretation): Good morning. Thank you for coming. Today we have been granted a new day. Let us use it wisely. Also, Mr. Malliki will be absent from the House this morning, but I believe he will be arriving this evening. (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Minister’s Statement 269 – 6(2): Igloolik Teacher Wins Council of the Federation Literacy Award (Akeeagok,

P) Hon. P.J. Akeeagok (interpretation): Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to Nunavummiut who are listening to the proceeding as well as to my fellow MLAs. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, each year, Canada’s premiers recognize the efforts made by members of their province or territory to promote literacy. (interpretation) In Nunavut, we ask residents to nominate someone who champions the use of Inuktitut. This year, I am pleased to be presenting Nunavut’s Council of the Federation Literacy Award to Jeena Kadlutsiak of Igloolik. >>Applause (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, Ms.

Kadlutsiak is a kindergarten to grade 3 teacher at Ataguttaaluk Elementary School in Igloolik. She is implementing Inuktut language curriculum in all her classrooms. She was a member of the team responsible for producing Nipittiavait Inuktitut. This is a phonics, word study and language study program created for Inuktut Titiqqiriniq. Ms. Kadlutsiak mentors and coaches other teachers to use and teach Inuktut. (interpretation) She hosts elders in her classroom. She holds planning meetings to promote Inuktut language learning and distributes additional learning resources to teachers. Mr. Speaker, Ms.

Kadlutsiak exemplifies building pride for Inuit through language revitalization. (interpretation ends) She

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3195 is a true role model and a positive role model for promoting literacy in her community through Nunavut’s education system as well as right through the territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Deputy Premier of Nunavut, Ms. Gross. Minister’s Statement 270 – 6(2): US Ambassador Visits Nunavut (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. Ublaakkut to all of our colleagues here, those in the House with us today, and Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express gratitude to the United States Ambassador, the Hon. David Cohen, and his wife, Rhonda, who took

part in their first official visit to Nunavut this past July. Mr. Speaker, with our Premier attending Council of the Federation meetings, I had the pleasure of hosting our distinguished guests, who arrived just in time for our Nunavut Day celebration. To kick things off, Ambassador Cohen and his wife were welcomed by the Commissioner of Nunavut, colleagues from this House, His Worship Mayor Awa, representatives of the Canadian Rangers, and many community residents who ensured they experienced a heartfelt Nunavut welcome. Mr.

Speaker, Ambassador Cohen showed appreciation by joining me at the grill, sporting a chef’s apron featuring our Government of Nunavut logo while flipping and serving burgers to an appreciative crowd. Ambassador Cohen was eager to visit Sanirajak the following day to experience more local culture and connect with one of our most unique communities. Unfortunately, the weather impacted the travel plan. The ambassador’s visit demonstrates a strengthened relationship between Nunavut and the United States.

It highlights the opportunity for increased collaboration in areas of mutual interest, such as climate change, sovereignty and security, critical minerals, and protecting our shared waters, while reinforcing our historical relationships and connections with Inuit in Alaska. Mr. Speaker, to understand the realities and beauty of Nunavut, it is necessary to visit and experience what makes our people and territory unique. The ambassador’s visit must have achieved that because earlier this month, Ambassador Cohen took

part in another visit to Nunavut, this time to my constituency of Cambridge Bay, where he had a chance to experience the Kitikmeot region, meet residents, see the sights and the diversity and growth of our town, while experiencing more Nunavut hospitality. Our government looks forward to a continued relationship with Ambassador Cohen and the US Embassy and engagement on issues of shared interest and potential future collaboration. Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3196 Minister’s Statement 271 – 6(2): NWT Wildfires and Medical Travel (Main) Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to take a moment to acknowledge the immense challenges the residents of the Northwest Territories were facing due to wildfires this summer. The wildfire crisis affected not just their homes but also their access to health care.

The stress of dealing with medical conditions is already high, and the added complexity of wildfire disruptions made it an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved. Mr. Speaker, as NWT residents were affected, some Nunavut residents’ access to health care was also impacted. As evacuation became necessary, we saw quick collaboration between our Department of Health and Larga Kitikmeot leadership to respond to the changing needs of Nunavummiut on medical travel. Mr.

Speaker, we adapted swiftly to accommodate changes caused by the wildfires, including relocating (interpretation ends) medical travel clients (interpretation) from Yellowknife to other partnered jurisdictions, and rescheduling their (interpretation ends) appointments. (interpretation) This was made possible in large part due to the tireless efforts of both the Department of Community and Government Services’ Procurement Division. We are very grateful to them as well as Canadian North in securing the needed transportation.

Keewatin Air Nunavut Lifeline, our contracted medevac operations, deserve a round of applause as we had to be equally quick in relocating our Yellowknife-based operations and redirecting medevac clients to both Edmonton and Winnipeg. Mr. Speaker, in challenging times, adaptability and commitment to collaboration enable us to continue providing essential medical care to those in need. Ma’na, quana, nakurmik, to all the departments and staff who stayed late, made crucial decisions, and guided our clients through a stressful and unpredictable time.

A special thanks to the affected Kitikmeot residents for their patience, understanding and adaptability as we navigated through relocations and appointment adjustments. Finally, to our health colleagues in the Northwest Territories, thank you for your support and collaboration during the unprecedented wildfire events this past summer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Human Resources, Ms. Nakashuk. Minister’s Statement 272 – 6(2): Expedited Direct Appointments (Nakashuk) Hon. Margaret Nakashuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good morning, my fellow MLAs and Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Department of Human Resources has created an expedited process to direct appoint Nunavut Inuit employees into indeterminate positions in the public service. These improvements streamline and simplify the process. While the

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3197 competitive process is used for most appointments to the public service, there are cases where it makes sense to direct appoint a candidate to a position without competition, particularly Nunavut Inuit who have been long-term employees filling casual or relief roles. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to report that since implementing the new process, 91 Nunavut Inuit were direct appointed into (interpretation ends) indeterminate (interpretation) positions.

The process helps the government achieve a more representative public service and demonstrates Pijitsirniq, serving and providing for family and community through financial stability for Inuit employees and their families. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Minister’s Statement 273 – 6(2): Sustaining Growing Communities and Land Development (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, my department is committed to fostering sustainable and thriving communities by enhancing land development, infrastructure planning, and environmental stewardship. The department’s approach to achieving key Katujjiluta mandate priorities encompasses various critical aspects. Mr. Speaker, to contribute to making more informed land use decisions and better infrastructure planning, my department has completed aerial drone surveys in 22 of 25 communities. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, we have actively invested in community drainage planning.

To ensure that land development projects are built on a solid foundation, securing long-term structural integrity, my department spent $200,000 to complete community drainage planning and geotechnical studies in Gjoa Haven, bringing the total number of completed communities to 13. Mr. Speaker, identifying sustainable aggregate through quarry studies is essential for responsible construction and development. My department invested nearly $700,000 in quarry studies for six communities to identify aggregate sources. Finally, Mr.

Speaker, it pleases me to convey that over the past three years, my department has made substantial investments in bolstering sustainability initiatives through the following contributions to municipalities: • $5 million in the new Granular Crusher Equipment Program; • $6 million in the Municipal Parking Garage Program; • $11 million in the Mobile Equipment Funding Program to support fleet lifecycle planning of major assets critical to municipal services; • $4 million in Municipal Capital Block Funding to support municipal capital projects;

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3198 • $1.2 million in investments under the Municipal Green Infrastructure Fund; and a • $5.4 million investment in 14 municipalities under the Community Small Projects Fund to support fencing, garage repairs, road development, sports facility repairs, land site work, and floating docks. Mr. Speaker, I believe that through these efforts, we are forging a brighter, more robust and prosperous future for Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk.

Minister’s Statement 274 – 6(2): Recipient of the 2023 Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Scholarship (Kaernerk) Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Good morning. Good morning to my fellow MLAs, Nunavummiut, and especially, the residents of Amittuq. I have the honour to rise today to announce the recipient of the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s annual Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier scholarship.

This year marks the 15th year that the corporation has given out this prestigious award that recognizes a Nunavut post-secondary student who is demonstrating a combination of community leadership, an extraordinary commitment to educational achievement, and most importantly, Inuit customs. Mr. Speaker, this $5,000 annual scholarship was developed to honour the legacy of Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier, a Nunavut visionary who advocated for the territory’s future in education and innovation.

This morning, it brings me great joy to mention that all the scholarship applicants were hard- working and inspirational, with diverse talents and ambitious goals for both themselves and for the territory. The 2023 scholarship recipient was selected for their perseverance and demonstrated impact that they have on their community. Mr. Speaker, this morning I am very proud to announce that the Qulliq Energy Corporation has awarded Candy Ivalutanar with this year’s $5,000 scholarship. Ms.

Ivalutanar is currently enrolled in the Nunavut Teacher Education Program in Naujaat in a Bachelor of Education program offered in partnership between Nunavut Arctic College and Memorial University of Newfoundland. She is studying full-time at the community learning centre in Naujaat. Ms. Ivalutanar’s life is truly exemplary in her determination to succeed and explore any opportunity available to her. Before she realized her passion to become a teacher, she worked as a bus driver in her home community of Kugaaruk. Because of her reliability and dedication to students, Ms. Ivalutanar was asked to substitute teach.

Her growing passion for education soon extended beyond the classroom, volunteering to help students with their homework and fetching supplies for the school. When she graduates, Ms. Ivalutanar is dreaming of having her own classroom and she is already a role model for all who are fortunate to know and work with her.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3199 The future of our territory is promising with innovative community leaders like Candy Ivalutanar leading the way forward. Please join me in congratulating her on this well-deserved achievement and thanking her for all she has accomplished thus far. In closing, let us remember the importance of the Inuit societal values of Pilimmaksarniq, Qanuqtuurniq, and Pijittirarniq, which are the goals of the Katujjiluta mandate. That is why this scholarship will be awarded to Candy Ivalutanar of Naujaat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Ministers’ Statements. Hon.

Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Minister’s Statement 275 – 6(2): Nunavut Carbon Credit Payments (Kusugak) Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Speaker, in my 2023-24 budget speech, I announced that our government would introduce the Nunavut Carbon Credit, quarterly cash payments totalling $308 per year to all Nunavummiut to offset their costs of paying carbon taxes. I’m pleased to report that the first two payments of the Nunavut Carbon Credit were issued in September and October. This represents a total value of $4.6 million delivered directly to Nunavummiut. The next quarterly payment is expected in January. Mr.

Speaker, all Nunavut residents who have filed their taxes will receive these payments automatically through the Canada Revenue Agency, who deliver these payments on behalf of the Government of Nunavut. Similar to other tax credit payments, like GST, payments are made for the entire household to the first member of the household who files their taxes. Individuals who have questions about their Nunavut Carbon Credit payments should contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-387-1193 or by logging onto their “My Account” on the Canada Revenue Agency website to ensure their information is correct and up to date. Mr.

Speaker, the Nunavut Carbon Credit is an example of our government’s use of carbon tax revenues to directly support Nunavummiut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Item 3. Members’ Statements. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee. Item 3: Members’ Statements Member’s Statement 364 – 6(2): Clyde River High School Graduates (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Good morning. It’s very good to see you all and I am also very pleased that I am able to be here. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and recognize several individuals.

There were some issues in our community, so a graduation ceremony was not able to proceed this summer at Quluaq School in Clyde River. The graduation ceremony will be held this evening for the grade 12 students. I will mention their names and this evening, they will be given their diplomas in the

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3200 community of Clyde River. These students are: • Annie Aqqiaruq • Faith Arnakak • Ryan Arreak • Breanna Hainnu • Brian Joanasie • Aaron Paniloo • Jade Paniloo • Stacey Qillaq • Brad Oqqallak • Darren Tigullaraq • Doreen Tigullaraq These 11 students are graduating soon and will have a ceremony. We are very proud of their accomplishments. I was just recently in Clyde River and we met with the students from the local high school. With the classes being almost done, the students were happily preparing for their graduation ceremony.

I want them to be publicly acknowledged and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these students, and this is the reason I rose today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak. Member’s Statement 365 – 6(2): The Importance of Education (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to the people of Pond Inlet and Nunavummiut, and I celebrate with my cousin, Breanna, in Clyde River, who will be graduating this evening. (interpretation ends) Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nunavut Education Week, a week to thank our hard-working teachers for their efforts; a week to appreciate the parents and guardians who get their children out of bed in morning and send them off to school; and a week to encourage students of all ages to take advantage of every opportunity available to grow through study and learning. Mr. Speaker, education is very important. In fact, we should celebrate its role in our lives every week.

Education is not just one step forward but a never-ending series of steps that can lead us to a lifetime of opportunities and, hopefully, a successful future. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the importance of learning traditional skills, life skills, physical skills, as well as morality and spirituality. I also strongly believe that formal instruction in an educational setting helps to develop skill sets that are critical for success in today’s world. Mr. Speaker, learning new concepts and acquiring new information can be a challenging process. It isn’t always easy to understand or work through a set problem.

The trained professionals who help lead us through that process are invaluable and must be commended for their efforts. Mr. Speaker, just mastering the basics of literacy and numeracy can unlock so many doors of opportunity. Exploring different fields of study can lead us to expertise, careers, and employment. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage Nunavummiut of all ages to take every opportunity available to them to begin,

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3201 continue, and advance their education. It will enrich and benefit your lives. (interpretation) I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I warmly thank the educators, the education assistants, and all the staff who work hard to keep our schools and learning centres operational. Let us celebrate Nunavut Education Week. Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Member’s Statement 366 – 6(2): Support for NTEP Graduates (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As this is Education Week, as will be the theme of my questions today as well as my statement. Mr. Speaker, I encourage and support all of the Government of Nunavut’s efforts to assist and support Nunavummiut in successfully achieving post-secondary education as well as entering the workforce. However, I would like to note that there is room for improvement. Mr.

Speaker, I rise today to encourage our government and specifically, the Department of Education and Nunavut Arctic College, to provide more support to graduates of our Nunavut Teacher Education Program in order to join our education system and fill some clearly identified gaps. Mr. Speaker, we are all aware that Nunavut needs teachers. Teachers who are trained and certified in Nunavut are guaranteed to have an awareness and understanding of our unique way of life in our territory. In many cases, Nunavut trained teachers will also have language abilities that will help to fulfil the Inuit language obligations.

However, Mr. Speaker, it has some to my attention that graduates of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program get very little help to prepare them to enter the labour market. Specifically, there is no dedicated support in the area of resume writing and interview preparation. Mr. Speaker, there also seems to be lack of communication between the college and the hiring agency; in this case, the Department of Education, to identify potential candidate’s positions based on the individual’s backgrounds, strengths, and interests. Mr.

Speaker, a great deal of time and effort and resources are put into delivering accredited programs to educate, train and certify teaching professionals. However, this success is limited by the lack of supports to ensure that these graduates can then access employment opportunities.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3202 I would also like to note that nursing graduates face similar barriers when it comes to passing their national exam for graduating with a nursing degree with Nunavut Arctic College. Mr. Speaker, my statement is almost complete and I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are none. Please continue, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues.

Additional supports would go a long way to help these graduates succeed in that next step towards employment in the nursing profession. I encourage this government to consider providing additional supports to Nunavut Arctic College graduates to enable to enter their professions where we need them the most. I would like to add that I will be asking questions on this specific issue at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Member’s Statement 367 – 6(2): Successful Bowhead Hunt in Taloyoak (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today that on the date of August 10, 2023, Talokyoakmiut successfully harvested a 40-foot bowhead whale and I wanted to acknowledge and thank the crew. First of all, I wanted to thank the elder, Captain David Nanook, and Co-Captain Tommy Aiyout, and harpooners, Jeremi Bouisvert and Jorden Kikoak. six boat drivers, David Nanook, Tommy Aiyaut, Logen Oleekatalik, Peter Aqqaq, Wayne Aiyaot, and Andrew Aiyaot, and the helpers of the hunt are Andrew Paningayak, Ian Aklah, Laisa Jayko, McCaulley Umingmak, Mitchell Porter, Jamie Umingmak, Armand Apiana, Ricky Kipanik, Robin Panigayak, and Gibson Hiqiniq.

I ask all my colleges to applaud the great crew of a successful hunt. Upluqatsiarmita, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Cambridge Bay, Ms. Gross. Member’s Statement 368 – 6(2): Upcoming Municipal Elections (Gross) Hon. Pamela Gross: Quana, Mr. Speaker. On Monday, Nunavummiut go to the poles to vote for municipal council. I wanted to thank all of those who have put their names forward in Iqaluktuuttiaq. Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish all those running all the best. Those that are running for mayor of Cambridge Bay are Derek Elias, Wayne Gregory and Charles Zikalala.

Those who are running for council are Darren Etibloena, Stephanie Taptuna, Bessie Haomik Joy, Vivian Aknavigak, Dana Langille, Sandi Gillis, Zachary Cziranka-Crooks, Jessie

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3203 Lyall, Bo Wallenius, William Palvialok, and Wilfred Wilcox. The polls in Cambridge Bay are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Luke Novalinga Community Hall. I would like to once again wish all those the best and thank you for putting your names forward to advance our communities. Quana, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for Quttiktuq, Mr. David Akeeagok. Member’s Statement 369 – 6(2): Table Tennis Tournament in Iqaluit (Akeeagok,

D) Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Today being Friday, good morning. I’m grateful as the weekend is approaching. Although there is an English term for this, I wasn’t sure how to phrase it in Inuktitut, but we tend to call it pii paa, pii paa. I wanted to speak about the ping pong players that we will be able to go see this weekend. They are from Arctic Bay and they were able to raise their own funds to come here to play in the pii paa tournament. I think that is what the term is. Let’s hope Iqalummiut welcome them. I thank Iqalummiut for always being welcoming.

I wish the best of luck to the young pii paa players from Arctic Bay. >>Laughter Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Members’ Statements. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Member’s Statement 370 – 6(2): Recent Visit to Kimmirut (Joanasie) Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I say “good morning” to the people of South Baffin. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise and I am grateful to Premier Akeeagok and the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation for being able to go to Kimmirut on October 5.

The visit we had there was to show the community of Kimmirut as well as the runway and the terminal building. We also met with the hamlet council. They also showed us various sites around the community of Kimmirut, and we met with the hamlet council as they had issues they wanted to discuss. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, we also went to Qaqqalik School, and we met with the teachers and students to talk about leadership and opportunities for employment within the government. That was a great trip. I would like to thank Mayor Lyta and the hamlet council as well as the residents of Kimmirut for being very welcoming.

It’s good that once the construction of the terminal building is completed, the people of Kimmirut will have a beautiful terminal to arrive to when coming to the community. I would also like to thank the Department of Economic Development and Transportation for proceeding with this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3204 Speaker: Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. Item 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Mr. Pauloosie Akeeagok. Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery Hon. P.J. Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to recognize some special visitors to our House, to your House. We have employees from the Canadian Security Intelligence Services here with us today, led by Deputy Director Nicole Giles. Mr.

Speaker, this is the latest of several visits to Iqaluit this past year by CSIS, the Canadian Security Intelligence Services, as it continues to work with the Government of Nunavut to build meaningful partnerships that advance our shared commitment to national security and to the protection of our democratic, economic and social development interests. (interpretation) Welcome (interpretation ends) to the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >>Applause Speaker: Welcome to the House. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery. Item 6. Oral Questions. Member for Uqqummiut, Ms. Killiktee.

Item 6: Oral Questions Question 530 – 6(2): Nunavut 3000 Housing Strategy (Killiktee) Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day to the people of Nunavut and to my constituents of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, both of the constituency communities of Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River that I represent in the Legislative Assembly are in dire need of more housing. The two communities really need more housing. I wish to ask about this area in terms of moving forward.

The Nunavut 3000 housing strategy plans to construct up to 110 new public housing units, affordable housing units, and market housing units in Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River over the next few years. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the strategy indicates that 20 “affordable housing units” were part of the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2023 build program. Can the minister provide an update today on the status of these units? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

There are different kinds of houses that are planned to be built in Nunavut. The affordable housing units that you mentioned will be done through tenders and proposals that can be submitted by interested companies and individuals who wish to construct those units. At this time, I can’t indicate how many companies have submitted bids to construct the (interpretation ends)

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3205 affordable (interpretation) housing units. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It will be interesting to hear about this because we really see these houses as important in our communities and the need for housing in the north. Mr.

Speaker, (interpretation ends) the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation announced earlier this month that federal funding under the rapid housing initiative will be directed to the construction of new units in a number of communities, such as Clyde River. Can the minister confirm if these are the same affordable housing units that have been identified in Nunavut 3000 plan? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The goals that we wish to see that are contained within the Nunavut 3000 strategy, if it was, some projects will be constructed from the Nunavut Housing Corporation and there are other entities that will build housing that will be included in these numbers for all units across Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Killiktee. Ms. Killiktee (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, because of the lack of housing, I wish to see real tangible goals.

It’s good to have goals, but I want to show that the lack of housing is affecting the communities and that we wish to see these units built. As I previously stated, we are expecting, as per the Nunavut 3000 plan, 25 new… I apologize for saying this in English, (interpretation ends) affordable housing units and market housing units are planned to be constructed in Qikiqtarjuaq during the life of the plan. Mr. Speaker, can the minister confirm how many of these new units will begin construction in the 2024 construction season? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to your questions, we started out with Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River, and we have sent the materials to the communities, and we are also planning for the 2024 construction season. Included in that will be six houses that will be built in Clyde River, and 18 in Clyde River, and they will be built by Nunavut Housing Corporation.

For the affordable housing, we don’t exactly know how many are going to be built, but we know that there will be monies available to build the different types of houses. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3206 Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Manirajak, Mr. Lightstone. Question 531 – 6(2): Support for NTEP Graduates (Lightstone) Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my questions to the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College. In my member’s statement earlier today, I addressed the need for Nunavut Arctic College and the Department of Education to collaborate to ensure that graduates from the Nunavut Teacher Education Program are identified by their strengths and interests for teaching positions within Nunavut’s education system.

I would like to begin by asking if the minister can describe how Nunavut Arctic College assists its graduates from the Nunavut Teacher Education Program to gain employment within Nunavut’s education system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Sanikiluarmiut. Mr.

Speaker, Nunavut Arctic College has a Student Support Division which helps our students to prepare our students to complete our Nunavut Teacher Education Program, and there are online services as well within Nunavut Arctic College that, through partnership with Memorial University, their student services have expanded tutoring services via online services. As well, there are a total of 11 tutors that are hired using Nunavut Arctic College’s surplus funds; four are students and seven are local, and those are often educators themselves. Also, Mr.

Speaker, the tutors are available in the communities; four tutors in Iqaluit, one tutor in Rankin Inlet, one in Cambridge Bay, three in Sanirajak, one in Whale Cove, and one in Arctic Bay. The Sanirajak portion is the most often used as they have six students that are in their second year program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the minister’s response in providing details in how the college assists students in completing their post-secondary education, but my question was directed to how the college supports graduates in achieving employment in their field of study. Mr. Speaker, this Nunavut Arctic College Teacher Education Program should be playing a key role in helping to fill Nunavut teaching jobs with Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, for years, I have been asking Nunavut Arctic College why its annual report does not include statistics on the rate of graduates employed in their field of study within six months after graduation.

Mr. Speaker, I keep asking the same question because that is the standard key performance indicator amongst post- secondary institutions in Canada and internationally. I would like to ask: can the minister clarify how many graduates

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3207 of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program did the college produce in the 2022-23 academic year and how many of those graduates were hired by the Department of Education to fill teaching positions in Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, member, for that question. I can scale back to 2019 if that member allows. In 2019, there were nine graduates; in 2020, four graduates; 2021, eight graduates; in 2022, 19 graduates, and for 2023, six graduates.

As for the other question, as the college is not involved in the hiring process of its graduates, I would like to thank the member for bringing this specific case to my attention. I am unable to provide specifics in this House, but I will bring forward my concerns to the staff at Arctic College, who have a good working relationship with the Department of Education. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Lightstone. Mr. Lightstone: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the minister for providing the number of graduates for a number of years. I appreciate that information.

As I had indicated, the standard key performance indicator in post-secondary institutions is highlighting the rates of graduates who are successful in becoming gainfully employed in their field of study. This is something that every college and university in Canada utilizes as far as I know, except for Nunavut Arctic College. I appreciate the minister’s response and that he’ll discuss this with his officials, and I really hope and encourage the minister to figure out how other colleges find this information and include it in the upcoming annual reports. Mr.

Speaker, it seems that some graduates from the Nunavut Teacher Education Program have been interviewed for teaching positions, but have not been successful, and therefore, not being offered jobs in Nunavut’s education system. I recognize that applying for a job and going through the interview process can often be a challenging process.

I would like to ask: will the minister commit to working with Nunavut Arctic College officials to ensure that additional supports are made available to graduates from programs like teaching, as well as social work and nursing programs, to improve their success in job interviews, national exams, and other job screening activities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Qavvik. Hon. Daniel Qavvik: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, member, for that question.

As a post-secondary institution, the only post-secondary institution in Nunavut, we want our students to succeed. We need that workforce in our territory. For the member’s question, yes, I can commit to getting back to the member and commit to the question he raised. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3208 Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Question 532 – 6(2): Price Agreement for Independent Electrical Power (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the people of Arviat. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation. In a media release on September 29, 2023, there was a signing of an energy purchase agreement between the Qulliq Energy Corporation and Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation for the renewable project in Sanikiluaq.

Mr. Speaker, as the minister should be aware, Arviat’s hamlet with their partners are also seeking to sign an independent power purchase agreement with the Qulliq Energy Corporation, and they have not been able to, and this one is signed though. The stumbling block has been that the avoidable cost of diesel that the Qulliq Energy Corporation is willing to pay for purchasing power in Arviat was too low. My first question to the minister is: what is the avoidable cost of diesel in Sanikiluaq that the Qulliq Energy Corporation is paying to Nukkiksautiit Corporation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon.

Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question. Yes, in reading the briefing, that agreement was signed in Sanikiluaq for an (interpretation ends) independent power producer (interpretation) contract. With regard to his question, it doesn’t include diesel and that agreement is based on (interpretation ends) 2 cents per kilowatt hour (interpretation) without including diesel.

This is how this agreement was reached, and I also wish to clarify that the total amount would be 23.55 cents, to answer his question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In order to be completely clear in my understanding; I may have misunderstood that (interpretation ends) the Qulliq Energy Corporation (interpretation) is paying 23.55 (interpretation ends) cents per kilowatt hour (interpretation) and that they will pay to this Nukkiksautiit Corporation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, the Member for Arviat is indeed correct and this is the price agreed to in that agreement that was recently signed. This will be the rate used. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That seems awfully low; 23

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3209 cents a kilowatt that the Qulliq Energy Corporation is going to be paying to purchase power for the avoidable cost of diesel. Mr. Speaker, is that a set rate, or is that changing yearly as the price of diesel goes up or down? Generally, it only goes up, but what kind of agreement is in place to sustain that. Mr. Speaker, I ask that because in Arviat, the avoidable cost of diesel was 26 cents a kilowatt and they could not breakeven at that cost with the capital purchase that they were going to make. It was impossible to pay it back and make money.

So can the minister enlighten me as to how the avoidable cost of diesel is set; whether it is fixed, or if it changes yearly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question. Due to the fuel’s fluctuations, since fuel prices have been raised before, the avoided costs are charged… . Well, apparently on April 1 of each year, it varies, so the avoidable cost changes are as of April 1, and they are on a three- year average.

As the member may recall from a return to oral questions, that was the same question that he asked before. Once the IPP is approved, the Qulliq Energy Corporation will submit the request for a decision for a renewable energy project to cabinet. It is the corporation’s officials who have the discussion, but I don’t have any say on what is being discussed. It is the Qulliq Energy Corporation officials’ matter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simailak. Question 533 – 6(2): Funding for Inuktitut Programs for Baker Lake (Simailak) Mr.

Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to my colleagues, and to the people of Baker Lake, good morning. Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Languages this morning. Mr. Speaker, during the month of September we had a meeting here with the languages commissioner specific to the loss of the Inuktut language. I, myself, have a hard time pronouncing things in Inuktitut at times. Mr. Speaker, in our smaller communities, there are many different variations, or in English (interpretation ends) dialects, (interpretation) and we don’t want to lose them.

I would like to ask the new minister: in Baker Lake, if someone wants to teach different dialects, is there a funding program available for that and where can they request that funding? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Languages, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for asking that question. Indeed, language is extremely important in Nunavut, particularly with protecting

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3210 our different dialects. I am from Amittuq, and I use my dialect, which is different from the South Baffin, the Kivalliq, and the Kitikmeot regions, with our many distinct dialects. This was also shown during our public hearing last month when I had just assumed my portfolio that morning, and the hearing on languages commenced in that afternoon. With respect to his question, since the hearing, the Department of Culture and Heritage is continuing their evaluation to see how best to allocate funds towards our languages. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister. I would really like to see this happen as soon as possible, but I will try to be patient. I would also like to ask the minister: after his officials complete the review, can the minister direct his officials to go to Baker Lake to explain how the program works? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Languages, Mr. Kaernerk. Hon. Joelie Kaernerk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank you for that question. Yes, I can commit to that request myself.

With the importance of our language and our different dialects, I can agree with his request to also look at the situation in Baker Lake as there is more than one dialect, and I know you are aware as I sometimes ask for clarification. I can commit to going to Baker Lake if you wish to invite me there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister. Yes, I invite you to Baker Lake and we will warmly welcome you. If we could meet with the elders in Baker Lake, it would be very good.

They have an elders committee in Baker Lake called Qilautimiut, and it would be great if the minister could go to Baker Lake and meet with them. Our dialects in Baker Lake are precious to us, and I will just provide a short example. When I was younger, I once visited an elder whose dialect I could not even understand, and during my visit, I had to keep asking his son to interpret the words. The elder also stated he did not mind Baker Lake, as he was originally from Ukuhikhalik, and he said the following “Hivaniqhalukmi’nanilu Hulikni’mmi’ma’kiaq tat’nahiuliLaluppa”.

I never forgot that phrase and I asked him to please repeat the saying. We must protect all of our dialects, and we should do our utmost not to lose any of our dialects. I just wanted to provide that perspective and I appreciate the minister’s agreement. I thank the minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: I didn’t hear a question. Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Ms. Nutarak.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3211 Question 534 – 6(2): Suicide Prevention Action Plan (Nutarak) Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention. This issue is very difficult to voice, especially for me personally, but I want to inform all the people experiencing problems and hardship that there are people who can provide help and I encourage Nunavummiut to understand that there are local people available to provide help.

In a small community like ours, it affects many people whenever someone cuts their life short. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Inuusivut Anninaqtut Suicide Prevention Strategy was a 2017-2022 action plan with specific goals and activities for the five-year period. Can the minister provide an update on what specific programs were achieved in meeting the objectives laid out in this plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member for the question.

I agree with the member that this matter is very difficult to talk about, but we have to in order to improve things. (interpretation ends) The Suicide Prevention Strategy Action Plan, the last iteration, as the member correctly pointed out, ended in 2022, and so there was a formal evaluation that was conducted to see which actions were carried through to completion, which ones are still in progress, and which ones are still outstanding. That is a public report.

I don’t have it here in front of me, but to broadly summarize; there were a number of actions that were completed and need to continue on into the next version of the action plan. However, Mr. Speaker, there were a number of actions which were, for one reason or another, not completed. For this reason, going into the next, we are currently in the planning phase with our partners for the next version of the five- year Suicide Prevention Action Plan. We are looking at making the plan more targeted.

There was a very high number of actions that were identified in the previous plan, so we are looking at taking a more targeted approach, as well as making sure that we clearly designate the responsible agency, because that was highlighted as an issue in the previous version of the plan. That evaluation is currently available to the members and the public. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the minister. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the suicide epidemic seems to be continuing unchecked.

The community of Pond Inlet is mourning two deaths of suicide. The trauma from this incident is widespread. One suicide here seems to provoke another suicide there. Mr. Speaker, I have seen posts advertising various different activities to address suicide prevention, including; acupuncture, driving lessons, and

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3212 babysitting classes. Can the minister describe how the activities undertaken to address suicide prevention are evaluated for their effectiveness? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for the question. I completely agree in terms of how serious this is, but I would have a bit of a differing opinion in terms of… .

We are doing a lot of different things; not just the Department of Health, but all of our partner organizations. We are trying to meet the needs around mental health, and meet the needs around suicide prevention, but is it enough? Do we need to do more? Yes, I think it is safe to so. We are working towards doing more.

In terms of the Upigivatsi funding stream and the different activities that can be funded through that fund or supported, we have been working on lessening the application process to make it easier for community-based organizations to access the funding, and we have also been taking efforts to reduce the reporting burden. Particularly for small non-profit groups, we recognize that requiring excessive or onerous reporting can be a barrier for them to offer activities in their community.

There is an evaluation of sorts, or a judgment, in terms of whether or not the activities are worthwhile, but we do, from the Department of Health, also want to keep in mind that evaluation is good, but getting the money out to the community-level where activities can happen is also important. We are trying to balance those two needs to support community organizations, but also have some accountability. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Nutarak. Ms. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and minister.

I would also like to thank you for making it easier for communities to apply for funding. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, eight years ago, on October 22, 2015, the Premier of Nunavut at the time declared suicide as a crisis in Nunavut. Since then, a number of suicide prevention action plans have been implemented, but it seems the crisis is not even close to being over. Some might even say it’s getting worse.

Can the minister tell us when a new suicide prevention Act plan will be introduced and give us a bit of a preview of what new and innovative approaches will be implemented to address this terrible crisis that impacts all of us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for Suicide Prevention, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Just returning to my previous response, the Upigivatsi suicide prevention funds, that’s $3,345,000 per year and it goes out to organizations across Nunavut.

In terms of the next version of the Suicide Prevention Action Plan, our consultations are complete. The

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3213 Department of Health is currently working with partners to finalize the plan. I am eagerly awaiting the release and I’ve been pushing for the plan to be finalized. I think, as the hon. member has highlighted, this is an area that needs action and we should be pushing to see more things coming forward. A bit of a preview for the new version of the action plan, I can’t say too much until it’s approved by the partners, but one area that has been highlighted through our consultations is the need to support LGBTQ2+ individuals in Nunavut, as well as youth.

That has been highlighted as an area needing some additional focus and support. So that is something that we are looking to include in the next version of the action plan. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. Question 535 – 6(2): Nunavut Health Data (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question today to the Minister of Health regarding the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Mr.

Speaker, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, or CIHI as it is commonly called, helps recognize national reporting standards for health statistics and information. Mr. Speaker, one of the things that statistics and information of this nature brings, is to help support funding proposals and target health initiatives for funding with other partners. Is Nunavut currently meeting the data statistics required to adequately compare and measure to national standards in health care? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for the question. When we look at the federal partners we work with, there has been a strong emphasis on data as of late and that is one that I fully support because I believe that if you look at the data for Nunavut, Nunavummiut health outcomes as well as their healthcare system, the numbers show the clear need that exists in our territory for additional support. I really appreciate the member raising this. Looking the data we provide the CIHI, in some areas we are able to report, much like our provincial, territorial colleagues. In some areas we are not able to.

It is a mixed bag. We don’t have the resources currently to provide as much detailed indicators as say, a province like Ontario can, but looking at the past few years we have been bringing on more and more capacity through development and establishment of the health information unit and so we are heading in the direction of providing more data, but we still have a lot of work to go in terms of building the framework for data collection, health information collection, and storage analysis in Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3214 Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that response. I am just wondering maybe if the minister would be able to give us an idea of what some of those gaps in data collection are. The reason I am asking this is, as I mentioned in my earlier question, this helps target different initiatives and different funding opportunities and different partnerships to target certain, whether it be diseases or other health outcome improvements. I would like to get maybe a bit of clarity from the minister on what some of those gaps are that need to be targeted.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for the question. A few of the gaps I think, were highlighted in the recent Office of the Auditor General hearings here in the House. In terms of areas that we are needing to further develop, it has been identified that we need a digital inventory tracking system, and for the Department of Health to implement that, we need to find money; resources to develop that.

Currently, we are working on a manual tracking system to fill that role, but we know that it needs to be a digital tracking system. Another area where we need or where we currently have a gap is in the area of public health. In terms of moving towards planning for a public health surveillance system, it is something was identified in looking at the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and it something that we want to pursue. When we look at issues like tuberculosis across Nunavut, we don’t currently have an integrated system to collect all the data and report it to our federal partners.

Those are a couple of areas where we do have gaps right now. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister again for that response. Mr. Speaker, I have gone over reports through the Canadian Institute on Health Information and oftentimes, Nunavut’s statistics are not able to be reported due to the small numbers of certain categories. Oftentimes the expectation to still provide the data is still being expected for Nunavut to be a providing it to the Canadian Institute on Health Information.

Previously, we had a member of the Department of Health on the board of directors for CIHI, and I would just like to ask the minister: is that still the case, because that gave the ability to be able to provide that reasoning on why some of this data can’t be collected, or why it’s underreported, or why it needs to be reported. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the member for the question.

I am not aware of whether or not we have a member on that board, but I can commit to looking into that and getting back to the member with that information. The hon. member highlights a very good point in that there are often very valid reasons why we simply cannot report on

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3215 certain data points like a larger jurisdiction like Ontario could. If we talk about the ongoing work with the federal government on the new bilateral funding agreements, there are two of them that we are working on; one is called aging with dignity and the other is called shared health priorities. One of the biggest issues that we’re facing going into those negotiations is that we simply cannot provide the amount of data and indicators that our federal partners are wanting to see.

When we’re sitting at the negotiation table, it’s not just about dollars and cents; it’s also about our partners having realistic expectations as to what the Nunavut government can deliver in terms of reporting on indicators as is required, increasingly; increasing amounts of indicators with each new funding agreement. That’s a real issue for us that we’re facing ongoing. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok. Question 536 – 6(2): Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Facility (Sammurtok) Mr.

Sammurtok (interpretation): Good morning to the people of Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet North. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health. The long-term care facility in Rankin Inlet is nearing completion. I am confident that being able to stay in our territory will be a great relief to many elders, who otherwise have received care in the south.

I note that the government’s most recent amendments to the request for proposals for the long-term care operators was issued on October 12, not that long ago, and the deadline for issuing further information was extended to October 17, 2023. Can the minister provide an update on when the contract will be tendered and when he anticipates the facility will open its doors for the clients? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for that question.

We are working with the Department of Community and Government Services on the tendering of the contract that the member is asking about. The tender is still open, so I can’t really speak to it. However, the closing date of the tender is at the end of this month, October, but I can’t say when we would be signing an agreement or whether we will receive approval for the funding of the contract. We understand the urgency of the issue, along with our partner, the Department of Community and Government Services.

The construction of the facility has been delayed slightly and it is now anticipated to be completed by January 2024. Perhaps three or four months after that, the facility could be open in the spring or winter of 2024. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3216 Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) One of the key factors in providing long- term care in the north is to ensure that elders receive care in a culturally appropriate manner, hearing their own language, eating their own food, and being in a familiar environment. Can the minister provide further information on how long he anticipates it will take to staff the facility and what assurances he can make that Nunavummiut will be hired to work there? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In terms of the importance of Nunavummiut working at the future facility, that’s going to be a high priority for the department. It is a high priority in terms of the contract route. We’re hoping that that will work out in terms of the operations for the facility.

In terms of local employment and Inuit employment, those will be expectations that we will have on the contractor, if that process pans out, if we move forward with that model, and it would be incumbent on the successful bidder to meet the levels of Inuit employment or local employment that are spelled out. I agree completely with the member that it’s really important for elders to be served in the language of their choice. For many, I would expect it would be Inuktitut, as well as the cultural components that he mentioned. I was really happy to be able to tour that construction site with the member.

I have been on that site quite a few times with different folks, including the federal Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu. She toured that facility. Our MP Lori Idlout and a number of cabinet colleagues have been there. It’s a really exciting project, looking at the space, and then the operations of the future facility where it’s going to have traditional healing spaces. It has a large family dining space that can host family members and gatherings. There’s a multipurpose space for cultural events.

It’s really exciting walking through that building and picturing what the future operations are going to look like, and I thank the member for raising these questions. (interpretation) Thank you. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my understanding that Nunavut Arctic College ran a very successful personal care worker course. The individuals who passed this course would surely be best candidates for staff positions at the facility.

Will the minister ensure that all Nunavummiut who passed the personal care worker course have the opportunity for employment at the Rankin Inlet Long-term Care Centre? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Health, Mr. Main. Hon. John Main (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I’m unable to provide a job guarantee, kind of a blanket job guarantee to the graduates of the program, but there’s a

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3217 “but” and it is that education and certification does provide graduates with a leg up or an advantage over other applicants. Whether it ends up being a contractor operated facility or a government operated facility, I would imagine that those graduates would have a very good chance of securing employment within their chosen field within the new facility. I know that’s not the response that the member was looking for, but I think the hon. member can rest assured that those graduates will have a very good chance of securing employment. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Ms. Brewster. Question 537 – 6(2): Local Housing Organizations (Brewster) Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to start by thanking Ms. Nutarak for her line of questioning today. I think it’s really important that we have open discussions about mental health. I just want to say a special good morning to everybody who is watching and listening, who is feeling anxious today, because I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that over the last couple of days I have felt extremely anxious.

I’ve been thinking about my grandfather, who would say to me, “Look opportunities is in the face, otherwise life’s fears might. With that, Mr. Speaker, I’m going to take the opportunity to ask some questions of the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation this morning, and they concern the important issue of local housing organizations in Nunavut. On July 28 of this year, the minister announced the temporary appointment of a new board of directors for the Iqaluit Housing Authority, the majority of who are senior officials of the Nunavut Housing Corporation itself.

In his announcement, the minister stated that he asked the new board to ensure within the next 90 days that it stabilize operations at the Iqaluit Housing Authority and then immediately initiate a process to seek out a new board of non-Nunavut Housing Corporation staff. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the minister’s deadline for this work to be completed is probably around Thursday of next week. Can the minister provide an update today on what progress has been made? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the question from my colleague. Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation did appoint the senior staff from the Nunavut Housing Corporation to replace the previously appointed board. That continues to today, and we are working forward, we are getting to the stage that we will be putting out a call for any local interest in being appointed to the Nunavut Housing Corporation board. That work continues, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Ms. Brewster.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3218 Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister is aware, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s current business plan indicates that it has engaged a consulting firm to produce a report on local housing organization governance models to see how the public housing allocation process and organizational structure can be improved. The business plan also indicates that this work was expected to have been completed by mid-2023, and that’s about June by my estimations.

Can the minister assure me today that he will table the results from this review in the Legislative Assembly before the end of our current fall sitting? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to finish up my train of thought on the previous question, we will be putting a call out in early November, for the replacement of the board and we will keep that call out until all those positions have been filled.

In terms of that report, like any other department and agencies, we’ve had staff turnover and shortages of the workforce, and we are continuing to work on that report, and I’m hoping within this fiscal year that we will be able to move forward and highlight some of the proposed changes we have or adjustments in making the Nunavut housing associations and the corporation more effective in areas that it needs to be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I was talking to a constituent just yesterday about her frustrations about having put her name forward a number a times to be on the Iqaluit Housing Authority board. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience that I think would make her a very good candidate. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to appointing members of the boards of directors of local housing organizations, I do believe that it is imperative that the boards be composed of individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds and competencies, including lived experience as tenants in the public housing system.

Can the minister indicate what specific criteria he will use in November in determining who to appoint to the Iqaluit Housing Authority’s new board of directors? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Most definitely. I think it’s imperative that we have board members for any organization that have interest, that have knowledge, that have backgrounds, not just in the board where they are being appointed to, but in many vast areas outside of that window, in particular with housing.

I think, when you are the final stop in terms who gets or who doesn’t get housing and what policies have to be adjusted, you should have a vast variety

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3219 of experience or knowledge, not just from one individual, but a collection of individuals. We will do our utmost to ensure that the board of directors that are appointed, should we have a selection we can go through; often we see now where we have had many hamlet councils that are being appointed, or a shortage of education committee members, so your pool gets very depleted in terms of who you can appoint or select because you end up having to put out another call for more members.

That is why in the comments, I mentioned that we will put a call out in November and keep it open until such time as we are able to fill it. I am very hopeful that we will be able to select, and we will use those criteria my colleague mentioned, and others, in terms of making sure that the individuals we do select have the utmost interest of Iqalungmiut, in this case, and the housing boards and responsibilities in the forefront.

Before we get to the selection, I will ensure there is a discussion with the senior managers to ensure that the selection, before we go there, will have the criteria pointed out that have the best interest of Iqalungmiut that are in housing and homeless in mind. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Oral Questions, Member for Netsilik, Mr. Quqqiaq. Question 538 – 6(2): Nunavut 3000 Housing Strategy (Quqqiaq) Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation. Mr.

Speaker, as the minister will recall, I have spoken on numerous occasions during sittings of the Legislative Assembly about the urgent need for more housing in the communities of Taloyoak and Kugaaruk. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the Nunavut 3000 housing strategy’s goal of constructing up to 100 new public housing units, affordable housing units, and market housing units in Kugaaruk and Taloyoak over the next few years. Mr.

Speaker, in April of this year, the Nunavut Housing Corporation announced that it had signed design build contracts with the Nunavut Construction Corporation with development plans to begin construction on 150 new units across Nunavut, including 20 new public housing units in Taloyoak. Mr. Speaker, can the minister provide an update today on the status of the Taloyoak units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to update my colleague on the progress of the 2023 build for the housing units in Taloyoak, of which there are 20. Construction has begun in Taloyoak, and I would like to add that that’s begun in all the communities that the housing corporation has committed to building units. They’re all at different stages of

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3220 construction, but they are all at the stage of construction, from fixing pads to starting flooring, and they are all in the construction stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, minister, for your response. As I noted earlier, the Nunavut 3000 housing strategy indicates that up to 35 new public housing units, affordable housing units and market housing units are planned to be constructed in Kugaaruk during the life of the plan. Mr.

Speaker, can the minister confirm when he will publicly release the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2024 community allocations and construction plan? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If you take a look at the Nunavut 3000 plan, I believe in that document it outlines all the public housing units that are planned to be built in each of the communities, including in 2024, there’ll be six units built in Kugaaruk.

On top of that, along with the builds of these units, we will be including some CIB units, or modular units to be brought in to be used for workers, on houses or staff housing, and then once that is complete, they’ll be turned over to the community for many other possibilities of use. If the member wishes, I could provide him a copy of Nunavut 3000, which has those housing units in detail, if my colleague doesn’t have them already. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Quqqiaq. Mr. Quqqiaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

April’s announcement by the Nunavut Housing Corporation indicates that 20 new units will be constructed in the Kitikmeot community of Gjoa Haven this year. Can the minister provide an update on the status of these units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kusugak. Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had the pleasure this summer of visiting your fine community of Gjoa Haven, where I had an opportunity to meet with the hamlet, and with the local housing association.

It was on that date also there was a ship just out in front of the bay and they were offloading all of the housing units, telehandlers, and all the equipment needed to build the housing units in Gjoa Haven. I believe, like the other communities, the construction has begun in Gjoa Haven and things are going as expected. Mr. Speaker, thank you. >>Applause Speaker: Oral Questions. Member for Kugluktuk, Mr. Anavilok.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3221 Question 539 – 6(2): Grays Bay Port and Road Project (Anavilok) Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good morning” to the people of Kugluktuk and Nunavummiut as well as to my colleagues. My questions today are for the Minister of (interpretation ends) Economic Development and Transportation. (interpretation) I wanted to follow up today on the (interpretation ends) Grays Bay Road and Port project, (interpretation) which is an issue that I previously raised during our spring sitting.

The minister, as well as the Premier, participated in a meeting in Ottawa and it is that meeting I would like to ask the minister and the government about. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, the goal of this project is to construct an all-weather road in the Kitikmeot region that will connect mineral rich areas with a deep-water port. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, Minister Akeeagok and Premier Akeeagok both participated in a high-level meeting at the United States Embassy in Ottawa to discuss the Grays Bay Road and Port project.

When I asked questions about this meeting during our spring sitting, the minister stated that he anticipates “a lot of good progress.” Can the minister provide an update today on what progress has been made over the past six months? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you, for the question.

The progress to date has been that the environmental assessment that is needed to proceed with this project is continuing, thanks to our Inuit organizations partners, in terms of gathering the data that’s required for this. That is good progress from my perspective, that is taking place. I’m eagerly waiting for other major projects that would help fund this, and so those discussions are still ongoing. From this point right now, that’s the update that I have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Your first supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that response.

The land is a path used by caribou herds, and the minerals being extracted from underground are recognized for their importance, so I would like to ask questions about that. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions in this House about the importance of critical minerals. These are minerals that are essential to developing clean technology, such as electric vehicles. The future of mining in the north is connected closely with the critical minerals.

When I asked questions about his issue during our spring sitting, the minister stated that the Government of Nunavut is “trying to tap into” sources of funding to develop the critical mineral mining sector in Nunavut.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3222 Can the minister provide an update today on what progress has been made over the past six months on this issue? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The progress is that we continually discuss this at the federal- provincial-territorial level.

In terms of tapping into the critical minerals, I have been advocating with my federal counterpart to have any investment that’s coming is that we should focus on that Grays Bay area because that’s where the known critical minerals are, and that’s one that we need to ensure that investments are brought in. I have been an advocate and one that I have also concluded that our territorial government alone wouldn’t be able to help build that, so we do need major investments.

Whether it’s coming from the United States or Canada, to build coast to coast to coast, is one that I continually advocate for, and I applaud my cabinet colleagues for continuing to do that too. Part of the progress that has taken place, and something that is under review, is the Nunavut Land Use Plan, the draft land use plan, which is currently under review. As you mentioned, caribou is a very critical part of the territory too, and that

part is one of the areas that needs to be seriously looked at. If we’re going to tap into the resources, we’re going to need to find the balance, and that’s something that I continue to advocate for. Also, with the Government of the Northwest Territories, as they’re in elections right now, we are also having discussions because they want to link their road to Nunavut, which is also tapping into their critical minerals. A lot of major discussions still need to take place, and I’m proud to be part of the advocate group that’s there, and I thank the member for questioning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Your second and final supplementary, Mr. Anavilok. Mr. Anavilok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that response. The Kitikmeot Inuit Association in Cambridge Bay were the leaders on that. They have withdrawn from it. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it is a matter of record that the Kitikmeot Inuit Association is no longer the formal proponent of the Grays Bay Road and Port Project. Can the minister provide an update today on what progress has been made over the past six months to identify a new proponent? (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Mr. David Akeeagok. Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The name of the company that has taking over the environmental assessment that the Kitikmeot Inuit Association… . Their particular title escapes my mind right now, but it’s one that the Kitikmeot Inuit Association holds 49 percent of the company and they have taken over the environmental assessment, and hopefully that work will continue on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3223 Speaker: Members be aware, time allotted for question period is now over. Item 7. Written Questions. Item 8. Returns to Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committee on Bills and Other Matters. Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Mr. Hickes.

Item 13: Tabling of Documents Tabled Document 171 – 6(2): Correspondence from the Deputy Minister of Family Services to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts in Response to Commitments made During Hearings on the Office of the Auditor General’s 2023 Report on the Review of Child and Family Services in Nunavut (Hickes) Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to table a document in my capacity as Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts. Mr.

Speaker, I am tabling correspondence from the Deputy Minister of Family Services in response to commitments made during our recent hearings on the Office of the Auditor General’s 2023 report on the review of Child and Family Services in Nunavut provide additional information to the committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Before you go to the next item, we will now take a 10-minute break. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House recessed at 10:59 and resumed at 11:15 Speaker: Welcome back, colleagues. Item 14. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.

Item 14: Notices of Motions Motion 026 – 6(2): Referral of Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), and 163 – 6(2) to Committee of the Whole – Notice (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, October 23, 2023, I will move the following motion:

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, that Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), and 163 – 6(2) be referred to the Committee of the Whole for concurrent consideration. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: Item 15. Notices of Motion for First Reading of Bills. Item 16. Motions. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Item 16: Motions Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to deal with my motion today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3224 Speaker: The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with his motion today. Do members agree? Some Members: Agreed. Speaker: There is agreement. Mr. Savikataaq, please proceed. Motion 026 – 6(2): Referral of Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), and 163 – 6(2) to Committee of the Whole (Savikataaq) Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the members for giving me this opportunity. Mr. Speaker,

WHEREAS the sixth territorial general election was held in October 2021; AND

WHEREAS Full Caucus has agreed that a mid-term mandate review take place during the life of the Sixth Legislative Assembly; AND

WHEREAS Full Caucus has agreed that the review take place in a public forum; AND

WHEREAS Tabled Document 1 – 6(2), Katujjiluta Mandate, was tabled in the House on March 22, 2022; AND

WHEREAS Tabled Document 73 – 6(2), Ministerial Mandate Letters, was table in the House on November 8, 2022; AND

WHEREAS Tabled Document 120 – 6(2), Government of Nunavut Progress Report on Katujjiluta Mandate Priorities, was tabled in the House on March 14, 2023; AND

WHEREAS Tabled Document 163 – 6(2), Government of Nunavut Katujjiluta Mandate Mid-Term Report - Highlights of Achievements, was tabled in the House on October 19, 2023;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, that Tabled Documents 1 – 6(2), 73 – 6(2), 120 – 6(2), and 163 – 6(2) be referred to the Committee of the Whole for concurrent consideration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Item 17. First Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Item 17: First Reading of Bills Bill 26 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act – First Reading Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon.

Member for Rankin Inlet South, that Bill 26, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, be now read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3225 Bill 28 – Opioid Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act – First Reading Hon. David Akeeagok: Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South, that Bill 28, Opioid Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act, be now read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Minister of Justice, Mr. David Akeeagok. Bill 29 –

An Act to Amend the Engineers and Geoscientists Act – First Reading Hon. David Akeeagok: Thanks again, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South, that Bill 29,

An Act to Amend the Engineers and Geoscientists Act, be now read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Joanasie. Bill 27 –

An Act to Repeal the Area Development Act – First Reading Hon. David Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, that Bill 27,

An Act to Repeal the Area Development Act, be now read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. First Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Bill 30 –

An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act – First Reading Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, that Bill 30,

An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act, be now read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Bill 32 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022- 2023 – First Reading Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, that Bill 32, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022-2023, be now read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3226 Bill 33 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024 – First Reading Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, that Bill 33, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024, be now read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Bill 34 – Write-off of Assets Act, 2022- 2023 – First Reading Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you again, Mr. Speaker.

I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, that Bill 34, Write-off of Assets Act, 2022-2023, be now read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Hon. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Bill 35 –

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut – First Reading Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South, that Bill 35,

An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Member for Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq. Bill 36 –

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act – First Reading Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South, that Bill 36,

An Act to Amend the Nunavut Elections Act and the Plebiscites Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is carried. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Hon. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Item 18: Second Reading of Bills Bill 32 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022- 2023 – Second Reading Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the Hon.

Member for Quttiktuq, that Bill 32, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2022-2023, be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations to defray the operations and maintenance expenses of the Government of Nunavut for the

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3227 fiscal year ending March 31, 2023. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill. Some Hon. Members: Question. Speaker: All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is in order and Bill 32 is referred to the Committee of the Whole. Minister of Finance, Mr. Kusugak. Bill 33 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024 – Second Reading Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This must be pop-up Friday. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Hon.

Member for Quttiktuq, that Bill 33, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2023-2024, be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations to defray the capital expenditures of the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill. Some Hon. Members: Question. Speaker: All those in favour. Opposed. The motion is in order and Bill 33 is referred to the Committee of the Whole. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters.

Bills 31, 32, and 33 with Mr. Hickes in the Chair. I ask that members remain at their desks so that we can immediately proceed to the Committee of the Whole. Sergeant-at-Arms. Item 19: Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters Chairman (Mr. Hickes): Thank you. I would like to call the committee meeting to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 31, 32, and 33. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We wish to continue with the review of the 2024-25 capital appropriation for the Department of Community and Government Services. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Does the committee agree that we proceed with Bill 31? Some Members: Agreed. Bill 31 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2024-2025 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie, do you have officials that you would like to appear with you before the committee? Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do. Thank you.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3228 Chairman: Thank you. Does the committee agree to have the officials appear before you? Some Members: Agreed. Chairman: Thank you. Sergeant-at- Arms, please escort the witnesses in. Thank you. Just for the record, Minister Joanasie, can you introduce your officials to the committee? Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have here with me, Deputy Minister Kyle Seeley, as well as Director of Financial Services, Mandy Hickey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, minister. Yesterday we left off with Local Government Services, page J-3.

The amount being requested: $90,879,000. Mr. Simailak was still in the line of questioning. Please proceed. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning, minister and to your officials. I left off on the $9 million ask towards the City of Iqaluit, and in there, it mentions improvements to water and wastewater, roads, and general operations. Can the minister please elaborate on what it means by “improvements to the roads in Iqaluit?” Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

This block funding agreement is meant for the city to decide for themselves on what they need to spend their money on, where providing services to the residents of the city, whether it is for paving roads or what have you. Those are some of the expenditures they can use through this block funding agreement, but there are other expenditures that they can use it on. It is for general operations. It’s like core funding. The city is not a part of the municipal funding formula that we provide. In lieu of that, we provide this block funding agreement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Minister Joanasie. Mr.

Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. That’s the reason I wanted to ask about what they meant by ‘paving roads’ as an option, and that it is something that a majority of us keep asking for; paving roads in our communities. It is interesting that the City of Iqaluit can do that with the help of the Government of Nunavut, but I will move on away from roads. The City of Iqaluit, being tax-based, are supposed to be upgrading its water and wastewater system. Yesterday I mentioned that the federal government announced $214 million to be given to the City of Iqaluit.

That is a lot of money on top of what this department is asking for now; an additional $5 million a year for the next five years. This sounds to me a lot like a bailout for the city. Is the Government of Nunavut bailing out the City of Iqaluit for failing to do these upgrades that they were supposed to be working on? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Joanasie.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3229 Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No. Again, since Iqaluit is the only tax-based city in this territory, they are not eligible for a fleet of programs that we do rollout to other municipalities. In lieu of that, we do have this contribution agreement for them to offset their costs to provide services to the City of Iqaluit. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, thank you, minister. Yes, the City of Iqaluit is tax-based.

They must have other options they can tap into, other federal programs, instead relying more on the Government of Nunavut with this extra assistance. I’m wondering: can the minister verify that all other options were looked at seriously to negate asking this government for this extra top-up of $5 million a year for the next five years? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Much like all the communities across the territory, the city experiences different cost pressures and challenges around providing municipal services.

This funding is meant to make sure that the city is able to meet the city’s needs. With regard to other pots of funds, my department does coordinate and work alongside hamlets as well as the city to try to access federal funds that they are eligible for on a case-by-case basis. The $200 million plus, again, was a city-led initiative. My department was not particularly involved around getting that proposal in. Again, we try to make sure that hamlets access resources, federal resources, that they are eligible for, including the city. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr.

Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. Moving on, on page 10 of your opening comments, it states “$3 million towards demolition and remediation of surplus buildings,” and on your substantiation sheets, I believe it is pages 3 and 4, it shows 12 different items that need to be demolished or remediated. Which projects will take priority? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that question. We are looking at disposing of a number of assets that have reached their end of life.

Pending approval of this fund, we are looking at taking care of the old Naujaat pump house as well as the old health centre and garage, the Baker Lake hospice, as well as the old Arviat Community and Government Services trades shop. Also as in Cambridge Bay, there are an additional six assets that are also potentially being disposed of, as well as the old Igloolik Adult Basic Education building. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. I’m sorry; I got lost there for a second. Did

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3230 he mention the building in Baker Lake? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, the old hospice in Baker Lake is part of this list that we would deal with. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m very glad that the old hospice building is on the list and it is a priority list for demolishing and removing that old building as it’s in a prime construction location.

It’s actually adjacent to elder-specific housing units and it would be a great location for the next elder-specific apartments in the future, especially with the Nunavut 3000 coming along. I’m very glad to hear about that. We have been asking for that to be removed for years now. My next question, Mr.

Chairman, to the minister is in the department’s current 2023-26 business plan indicates it “…continues to support stakeholders in the development of a solid waste strategy.” However, “Further progress on this project is delayed due to capacity restraints held by partner stakeholders.” I’m wondering: what specific capacity restraints have been identified? Is it capacity within the Government of Nunavut? Is it with the hamlets? Can you please clarify? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that question.

We do have multiple stakeholders in this, including the Department of Environment as well as federal regulators, so making sure that all parties have people at the table to move this forward, so it adds multiple factors. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am wondering: if a hamlet could take it upon themselves to do their own studies from their budget with guidance from Community and Government Services, could they do that as long as they would be reimbursed by the department in a timely manner? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you.

Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Basically, if there is work that the hamlets want to get done in this area, our department would need to be involved around approving what work is being done, including the budgets. Before it would proceed, they need to be pre-approved in order to go ahead with the work. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, minister. Would the department need for the hamlet to do the initial ask, or would the department be willing to ask each hamlet if they would want to take that on?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie.

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3231 Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the scenario that our colleague presents, it would be the hamlet that would submit a proposal and we would go from there. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think, from a last line of questioning this morning, in the opening comments as well, they mentioned about the Municipal Parking Garage Program.

Some hamlets, I believe Baker Lake is one of them, have the capability to expedite the construction of building a parking garage for their municipal equipment, but there seems to be some artificial barriers that makes the construction of parking garages take a lot longer; multiple years, actually. I think some of them take up to six years by the time they go through all the applications, yearly applications and whatnot. I’m wondering: what can be done to alleviate the delays, if some of these artificial barriers could be removed? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Minister Joanasie. Hon.

David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can my colleague elaborate what artificial barriers he is referring to? Thank you. Chairman: Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Artificial barriers, such as multiple hamlets applying for this program all at once, capacity issues in the departments, either CGS or any other partner departments that have to take part, maybe Environment might be one of them because of the land site they want to use, various engineers need to be secured, maybe, to go through to be a partner in the construction of these parking garages. That is just to name a few.

I can use the new parking garage in Baker Lake for an example, the one that was replaced after the fire a few years ago. It took quite a few years for that simple garage to be built because of artificial barriers, such as those that delayed it. I’m wondering: what can be done to alleviate or expedite the construction of these urgently needed parking garages? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Just for clarity, and I stand to be corrected, but if I’m not mistaken, that parking garage wasn’t funded through our department, through the one that we’re presenting here today. It was, I believe, funded through NAMIX. Since then, we have come up with this new parking garage program. In addition to that, we have put a standing offer agreement in place to allow for municipalities to access specialized expertise in planning and preparing for capital such as this.

Right now, our program is set up in a way that in year one the planning is done, they do a needs assessment, geotechnical investigations, environmental site assessments, and a schematic design, as well as a cost estimation; in year two a design is laid out, specifications and preparing tendering documents for class “A” cost

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3232 estimation, in which years three and four would be the construction. It’s great to see that the hamlets are applying for this fund and we are getting some headway on this and we would like to get more through the door. I encourage the hamlets to continue to work with my department on ensuring we go through the steps each year up to year three and four. I believe Baker Lake has been approved for a six-bay garage for planning as part of the ‘23-24 cycle. We hope that it will continue onwards and we will support the municipalities in this regard. Thank you.

Chairman: Thank you. Just a reminder, committee members; I don’t have any other names after Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak, please continue. Mr. Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you again, minister. Yes, the six-bay garage in Baker Lake was funded through insurance, but there were artificial barriers, such as the ones you just mentioned. In year one; in year two, that can slow down a process or the constructions of these garages and whatnot. When you list off year one and year two, there is not a lot in there, but that takes two years.

Why can’t those two be combined into the first year so that it speeds up the process of constructing these said parking garages? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Joanasie. Hon. David Joanasie: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will take his suggestion and talk with my officials on that to see if there are ways to put two into one. I think we will consider that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Simailak. Mr. Simailak: I appreciate that, Mr. Minister. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sorry.

I’m glad that you’re going to look into that and I’m hoping that you can do something with that, because if there are no delays, then a parking garage can be built in four years, it sounds like, but that’s a big “if.” We all know there are delays. We hear of delays year after year. It would be a shame to see a project that should take four years end up taking eight years, if I can be extreme for a second here. That’s more of a statement, Mr. Chairman. I am done for now. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Brewster. Ms. Brewster: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that we report progress. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman: Thank you. There is a motion on the floor to report progress. It’s not subject to debate. All those in favour. Thank you. Motion carried. I will now rise to report progress to the Speaker. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out. Speaker: Report of the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Hickes. Item 20: Report of the Committee of the Whole Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 31, 32, and 33 and

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3233 would like to report progress. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be agreed to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker: There is a motion on the floor. Is there a seconder? Mr. David Akeeagok. Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. There are none. Item 22. Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. Item 22: Orders of the Day Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A reminder that there is a meeting of the Regular Members’ Caucus at half past one in the Nanuq Boardroom. Orders of the Day for October 23: 1. Prayer 2. Ministers’ Statements 3.

Members’ Statements 4. Returns to Oral Questions 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 6. Oral Questions 7. Written Questions 8. Returns to Written Questions 9. Replies to Opening Address 10. Petitions 11. Responses to Petitions 12. Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 13. Tabling of Documents 14. Notices of Motions 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 16. Motions 17. First Reading of Bills 18. Second Reading of Bills • Bill 26 • Bill 27 • Bill 28 • Bill 29 • Bill 30 • Bill 34 • Bill 35 • Bill 36 19.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters • Bill 31 • Bill 32 • Bill 33 • Tabled Document 1 – 6(2) • Tabled Document 73 – 6(2) • Tabled Document 120 – 6(2) • Tabled Document 163 – 6(2) 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole 21. Third Reading of Bills 22. Orders of the Day Thank you. Speaker: Thank you. Before we leave for the day, I am proud to say that I am

Friday, October 20, 2023 Nunavut Hansard 3234 wearing a kaliku that was especially made for me by my late sister, who had just passed away not too long ago, and I am very proud to wear it in this House, keeping it alive. Thank you very much. >>Applause This House stands adjourned until Monday, October 23, at 1:30 p.m. Sergeant-at-Arms. >>House adjourned at 11:54